The GGD relaxes the rules for PrEP, the HIV prevention medicine. More people can now get free PrEP through the GGD.

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a daily pill preventing HIV with 99 percent effectiveness. The medicine is especially important for high-risk people.

Until now, GGD rules for free PrEP were quite strict. People had to meet specific criteria to qualify. New guidelines make PrEP accessible for more groups.

What exactly changes?

The main change is GGD now more flexible about risk groups. Before, you had to fit exactly in a box. Now the GGD looks at individual situations.

Transgender people also get more attention in new guidelines. Their specific risks are better recognised. This applies especially to transgender women.

Furthermore, people can now switch between different PrEP use forms. Some take PrEP only for risky periods. Others use it throughout the whole year.

Who is PrEP intended for?

PrEP is especially useful for people with increased HIV risk. Think of men having sex without condoms. PrEP can also help people with HIV-positive partners.

Transgender people, especially transgender women, also have increased risk. This is due to various factors, including healthcare discrimination. This sometimes limits their access to protection.

Sex workers form another important group. Their work increases their HIV infection risk. PrEP can offer extra protection alongside condom use.

How does PrEP work?

PrEP contains two active substances: tenofovir and emtricitabine. These substances block the HIV virus before multiplication. The medicine must be used consistently for effectiveness.

There are two ways to use PrEP. Most people take a pill daily. This is called continuous PrEP. Others use PrEP only around risky moments. This is called event-driven PrEP.

Event-driven PrEP is only suitable for men having sex with men. For other groups, daily use is recommended. This provides the best protection.

What are the side effects?

Most people tolerate PrEP well. Some experience mild side effects initially. Think of nausea, headaches, or fatigue. These complaints usually disappear after weeks.

With long-term use, kidneys and bones can be affected. That's why regular checks are important. The GGD checks blood and kidneys every three months.

HIV and other STIs are also tested quarterly. PrEP only protects against HIV. For other STIs, condom use remains important.

How do you get PrEP?

PrEP is freely available through the GGD. You must first have an intake interview. This determines whether PrEP suits your situation.

PrEP is also available through your doctor. Then you have to pay for medicine yourself. The costs are approximately 50 euros monthly. Some health insurers partially reimburse this.

You can also buy PrEP online, but this is not recommended. Without medical supervision, you miss important checks. You also cannot be sure medicine is real.

Why are the new guidelines important?

The Netherlands wants no new HIV infections by 2030. PrEP plays a crucial role in this. The more people have PrEP access, the lower infection chances.

Relaxed guidelines can especially help reach vulnerable groups. People who previously couldn't get PrEP have more chances. This can further reduce new HIV infections.

The RIVM closely monitors the effects of new guidelines. They can see whether the goals are being met.